For diabetics, the speed and accuracy of blood glucose measurements is vital. Devices for home use work on different technologies, have their advantages and disadvantages. Our rating is intended to acquaint with the best models in each of the categories and to help make a competent choice.
Content:
What firm is better to choose a glucometer
Accu-Chek
Despite the fact that photometric analysis technologies are considered obsolete, Roche Diagnostics manages to produce blood glucose meters that give an error of no more than 15% (for reference, the world has set the measurement error rate with portable devices of 20%).
Bayer
A large German concern, one of whose activity profiles is healthcare. The company produces both innovative products and follows modern industry achievements.
One touch
Devices of this company make it easy to measure in a few seconds. The error does not exceed the recommended 20%. Pricing is maintained at an average level.
Omelon
The development of the company “Omelon” together with the researchers of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University has no analogues in the world. The effectiveness of the technology is confirmed by published scientific works and a sufficient amount of clinical trials.
Elta
Domestic manufacturer, who set a goal to make the necessary process of self-control for diabetics more accurate and affordable. Manufactured devices are not inferior to foreign analogues, but it is much more economical in terms of purchasing consumables.
Top glucometer rating
When analyzing reviews in open Internet sources, the following factors were taken into account:
- accuracy of measurements;
- ease of use, including by people with reduced eyesight and motility disorders;
- the price of the device;
- cost of consumables;
- availability of consumables in retail;
- the presence and convenience of the case for storing and carrying the meter;
- frequency of complaints of marriage or breakdowns;
- appearance;
- shelf life of test strips after opening the package;
- functionality: the ability to label data, the amount of memory, the output of averaged values for the period, transfer data to a computer, backlight, sound notification.
The best photometric glucometers
The principle of their operation is based on the analysis of the color change of the test zone, which occurs as a reaction of blood glucose to the chemical reagents of the test strip. It is this technique that was used in the first set up home blood glucose meters.
The most popular photometric blood glucose meter
The most popular model is Accu-Chek Active.
Advantages:
- the device is easy to use;
- large display with large numbers;
- there is a carrying bag;
- memory for 350 measurements by date;
- marking indications before and after meals;
- calculation of average values of sugar;
- function with a warning about the shelf life of test strips;
- automatic inclusion when inserting a test strip;
- Comes with a finger piercing device, a battery, instructions, ten lancets and ten test strips;
- You can transfer data to a computer via infrared.
Disadvantages:
- the price of test strips is quite high;
- battery holds little;
- no backlight;
- there is no sound signal;
- there is a calibration defect, so if the results are doubtful, it is necessary to measure on the control fluid;
- there is no automatic blood collection, and a drop of blood is required to be placed exactly in the center of the window, otherwise an error is generated.
Analyzing reviews about the model of the Accu-Chek Active glucometer, we can conclude that the device is convenient and practical. But for people with impaired vision it is still better to choose another model.
The most convenient to use photometric blood glucose meter
The Accu-Chek Mobile model combines everything you need for blood sugar testing in a single package.
Advantages:
- blood glucose meter, test cassette and a device for puncturing a finger combined in one device;
- cartridges exclude the possibility of damage to test strips due to carelessness or carelessness;
- there is no need for manual coding;
- Russian-language menu;
- There is no need to install software to upload data to a computer; the downloaded files are in .xls or .pdf format;
- The lancet can be used several times, provided that only one person uses the device;
- measurement accuracy is higher than many similar devices.
Disadvantages:
- the device and cassettes to it are not cheap;
- during operation, the meter produces a humming sound.
Judging by the reviews, the Accu-Chek Mobile model would be much more popular if its price was cheaper.
Top rated photometer blood glucose meter
The device with the photometric principle of operation of Accu-Chek Compact Plus has the greatest number of positive reviews.
Advantages:
- convenient handbag-case;
- large display;
- the device works from usual finger-type batteries;
- the handle for the puncture of the finger is adjustable - the length of the needle is changed by simply turning the upper part around the axis;
- easy replacement of needles;
- the measurement result appears on the display after 10 seconds;
- memory stores 100 measurements;
- the screen can display the maximum, minimum and average values for the period;
- there is an indicator of the number of remaining measurements;
- manufacturer's warranty - 3 years;
- Data transfer to the computer is via infrared.
Disadvantages:
- the apparatus does not use classical test strips, but a drum with ribbons, which is why the prime cost of one measurement is higher;
- drums are hard to find on sale;
- when rewinding a portion of the used test tape, the device makes a buzzing sound.
Judging by the reviews, the Accu-Chek Compact Plus blood glucose meter has a large number of ardent supporters.
The best electrochemical glucometers
Measure the current, which is formed as a result of the contact of the blood with reagents of the test strip and depends on the level of sugar in the blood. This technology is used in hospitals.
The most popular electrochemical blood glucose meter
The greatest number of reviews received model One Touch Select.
Advantages:
- simple and easy to use;
- Russian-language menu;
- result in 5 seconds;
- blood requires very little;
- consumables are available in retail chains;
- calculation of the average result for 7, 14 and 30 days of measurements;
- marks about measurements before and after meals;
- comes with a convenient bag with compartments, a lancet with replaceable needles, 25 test strips and 100 alcohol wipes;
- up to 1500 measurements can be made on one battery;
- bag for a special harness is attached to the belt;
- test data can be transferred to a computer;
- large screen with clear numbers;
- after displaying the results of analyzes automatically turns off after 2 minutes;
- The device has an unlimited warranty from the manufacturer.
Disadvantages:
- if the strip is placed in the device and the meter is switched on, blood must be applied as quickly as possible, otherwise the test strip will deteriorate;
- the price of 50 test strips is equal to the price of the device itself, so it is more profitable to buy large packages that are rarely found on the shelves;
- sometimes an individual instrument gives a large measurement error.
Reviews of the One Touch Select model are mostly positive. When used correctly, the results are quite suitable for daily home monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Popular electrochemical blood glucose meter Russian manufacturer
Some savings in price gives the model Elta Satellite Express.
Advantages:
- it is very easy to use the device;
- large clear screen with large numbers;
- relatively low cost of the device and test strips;
- each test strip is packaged individually;
- the test strip is made of capillary material that absorbs just as much blood as is necessary for the study;
- The shelf life of test strips from this manufacturer is 1.5 years, which is 3-5 times longer than that of other companies;
- measurement results are displayed in 7 seconds;
- Included with the device is a case, 25 test strips, 25 needles, an adjustable pen to puncture the finger;
- memory for 60 measurements;
Disadvantages:
- figures may differ with laboratory data by 1-3 units, which does not allow the device to be used by people with severe disease;
- No synchronization with the computer.
Judging by the reviews, the model of the Glucometer Elta Satellite Express gives sufficiently accurate data if you follow the instructions correctly. Most complaints of inaccuracy due to the fact that users forget to encode a new pack of test strips.
The most reliable meter in terms of measurement accuracy
If accuracy is important to you, look at the Bayer Contour TS model.
Advantages:
- compact, comfortable design;
- more precisely, many similar devices;
- on the test strips are often stocks from the manufacturer;
- adjustable puncture depth;
- 250 measurement memory;
- withdrawal of the average for 14 days;
- blood requires quite a bit - 0.6 μl;
- analysis duration - 8 seconds;
- there is a sorbent in the test strip container, due to which their shelf life after opening the package is not limited;
- in addition to the meter itself, the box contains a battery, a device for piercing a finger, 10 lancets, a brief guide, full instructions in Russian;
- You can transfer the analysis data archive to a computer using a cable;
- warranty from the manufacturer - 5 years.
Disadvantages:
- the screen is scratched heavily;
- the case is too soft - rag;
- there is no way to put a mark on the food;
- If you insert a test strip into the receiver's nest not in the center, the result of the analysis will be inaccurate;
- test strip prices are very high;
- test strips inconvenient to get out of the container.
Reviews to the Bayer Contour TS model recommend to buy the device, if you can afford consumables at a relatively high price.
Non-invasive blood glucose meters
Devices manufactured using the latest scientific developments and do not require blood sampling. The word BEST in this case, we omit, since such units are produced units.
Blood Glucose Meter with Pressure Analysis Technology
The technology, which has no analogues in the world, was developed in Russia. The principle of operation is based on the fact that muscle tone and vascular tone depend on the level of glucose. The device Omelon V-2 several times measures the pulse wave, vascular tone and blood pressure, on the basis of which the sugar level is calculated. A high percentage of coincidence of the calculated indices with laboratory data made it possible to launch this tonometer-glucometer into mass production. There are not many reviews yet, but they definitely deserve attention.
Advantages:
- the high cost of the device in comparison with other blood glucose meters is quickly compensated by the lack of the need to buy consumables;
- measurements are made without serious consequences, without puncturing the skin and taking blood;
- figures vary with the data of laboratory tests no more than in standard blood glucose meters;
- simultaneously with the level of sugar, a person can control his pulse and blood pressure;
- works on standard finger-type batteries;
- automatically turns off 2 minutes after the last measurement results are displayed;
- more convenient on the road or in the hospital than invasive blood glucose meters.
Disadvantages:
- the device has dimensions of 155 x 100 x 45 cm, which does not allow to carry it in your pocket;
- warranty period - 2 years, while most standard blood glucose meters have a lifetime warranty;
- Correctness of the readings depends on compliance with the pressure measurement rules - compliance of the cuff with the girth of the patient, patient peace of mind, lack of movement during operation of the device, etc.
Judging by the few reviews available, the price of the meter Omelon B-2 is fully justified by its merits.On the manufacturer's website it can be ordered at 6900 p.
Non-invasive blood glucose meter from Israel
The Israeli firm Integrity Applications solves the problem of painless, fast and accurate measurement of blood sugar by combining ultrasonic, thermal and electromagnetic technologies in the model of the GlucoTrack DF-F glucometer. Official sales in Russia yet. The price in the EU zone starts from $ 2,000.
What blood glucose meter to buy
1. Choosing a blood glucose meter for the price, focus on the cost of test strips. The products of the Russian company Elta hit the wallet least of all.
2. The majority of consumers are satisfied with the products of the trademarks Bayer and One Touch.
3. If you are ready to pay for comfort or risk using the latest technology, buy Accu-Chek and Omelon products.
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